To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Windrush there is an array of events taking place across the city to remember the Windrush community and celebrate their legacy.
The council are supporting several events, as well as hosting a Windrush Celebration event in Central Library. Communities across Manchester will also be organising events in their neighbourhoods so keep an eye out for what’s happening in your area.
Monday 19 June- Windrush 75: Celebration event in Central Library
A free event, celebrating the 75th anniversary of Windrush, will take place on Monday 19 June in Central Library.
Organised in collaboration with the Jamaica Society Manchester and UNISON Manchester Inspire Black Members Forum, Manchester City Council invites residents to attend the Windrush celebration event, marking the 75th anniversary of Windrush.
Attendees will be able to enjoy a special reading of Deniz ‘Skip’ Önaç‘s inspirational book, ‘The Colour of My Heart: A true story of hope, perseverance and love’. After the book reading, Deniz will host a Q&A session before inviting speakers Jennifer Rouse-Burgundy, Chair of the Leeward Islands Peoples Association, and Leslie Bell to talk about their experiences of Windrush.
The event will take place from 5:30pm – 7pm in the Performance Space in Central Library and drinks and light refreshments will be provided.
For more information please visit: https://librarylive.co.uk/event/windrush-75-a-celebration/
Thursday 15 June- Windrush NHS stories event.
There will be a free, public event in Manchester Poetry Library from 7-9pm. The event has been organised by Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester City of Literature, celebrating the contribution of workers from diverse backgrounds to the NHS.
For more information please visit: https://www.manchestercityofliterature.com/event/windrush-nhs-stories-launch/
Saturday 17 June- Windrush One Love Fest.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Windrush, the Windrush Millennium Centre will be hosting an afternoon of music, poetry and dance for residents to enjoy. The event will run from 12-6pm and has been organised by the Windrush Defender’s group.
The free event is open to all and will be a celebration of diversity and those impacted by Windrush.
Saturday 24 June, 12-6pm, Windrush 75 Celebration.
Alexandra Park will be hosting an event for all residents to enjoy, complete with food, stalls, and performances, residents are encouraged to head down to the park and celebrate the Windrush community.
The event has been organised by the Caribbean and African Health Network. For more information please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/windrush75-celebration-tickets-556461620687
This year marks 75 years since Empire Windrush arrived in the UK, in 1948. Windrush Day is marked annually on 22 June as a celebration of the contributions of the Windrush Generation and their descendants to the UK.
For more information on events taking place, please visit: Windrush 75 - events in Manchester | Windrush | Manchester City Council
Councillor Lee- Ann Igbon, Lead Member for Race and Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods said:
“I am proud that we’re celebrating the 75th anniversary of Windrush in Manchester. As a local authority and a city, it is important that we mark this historic day and stand by our Windrush community to show our appreciation and solidarity.
“We are also facilitating and supporting a variety of events around the city to mark the occasion with music, dance, poetry, history and much more.”
Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said:
“Manchester has a long history of supporting the Windrush community and this event, amongst others that are taking place in the city, are a celebration of the community and their outstanding contribution to British history.
“I’d encourage residents from all over the city to attend the free events and enjoy the unique opportunity to meet and hear from members of the Windrush community to learn more about their experiences and achievements. “